deposit
B1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To put something down or place it somewhere, often for safekeeping, or to put money into an account.
A sum of money placed into an account or given as an advance payment or security; a layer of natural material laid down over time.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is polysemous, spanning financial, legal, and geological contexts. Its core meaning of 'putting down' unifies these senses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The noun form is slightly more common in UK English in property contexts ('rent deposit'), while 'down payment' is more frequent in US English for purchases.
Connotations
Generally neutral in both variants. In property, 'deposit' in the UK heavily implies a tenancy security sum held in a protection scheme.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both dialects in banking, rental, and purchase contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
deposit something (in/into something)deposit something with somebodybe deposited (by somebody/something)deposit (something) on somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On deposit (money in an account)”
- “Safe deposit box”
- “Deposit of faith (theological, rare)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A cash deposit must be made to secure the booking.
Academic
The glacial deposits indicate a much colder climate in the past.
Everyday
I need to deposit this cheque before the shop closes.
Technical
The process involves chemical vapour deposition to create thin-film deposits.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The landlord requires a six-week deposit.
- They discovered a rich deposit of iron ore.
American English
- We put a 20% deposit on the new car.
- The account earns interest on any deposit over $1,000.
verb
British English
- Please deposit your bags in the left luggage office.
- The river deposits silt on the floodplain each year.
American English
- You can deposit your check at any ATM.
- Volcanic ash was deposited across the state.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'Deposit' is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'Deposit' is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He used a deposit account for his savings.
- The deposit slip was filled out incorrectly.
American English
- The deposit box key was kept in the safe.
- We need a deposit receipt for our records.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I put a deposit on a new bicycle.
- You deposit money at the bank.
- The rental agreement asks for a one-month deposit.
- The cheque will take two days to clear after you deposit it.
- Geologists surveyed the area for potential mineral deposits.
- He deposited the documents with his solicitor for safekeeping.
- The controversial campaign funds were deposited in an offshore account.
- Alluvial deposits from the ancient river system contain traces of gold.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POSIT: you POSIT (place) money DEep into an account, making a DEPOSIT.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY/OBJECT IS A FLUID (deposit into an account, sediment deposit), SECURITY IS A PHYSICAL PLACEMENT (placing a deposit).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'вклад' (which is closer to 'investment/contribution'). For a bank deposit, use 'вклад' or 'депозит'. For a security/rental deposit, use 'залог'. For a geological deposit, use 'месторождение' or 'отложение'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'deposit money on my account' (should be 'into/in my account').
- Using 'deposit' as a synonym for 'investment' (it is a placement, not necessarily for growth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'deposit' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A security deposit often is, subject to conditions, but a deposit on a purchase is typically non-refundable and forms part of the payment.
They are often used interchangeably, but a 'down payment' specifically refers to an initial partial payment for a major purchase (like a house/car), while 'deposit' has wider applications (banking, rentals, geology).
Yes, though it's formal. E.g., 'She deposited her trust in him' or 'The memory was deposited in his mind.'
The direct antonym is 'to withdraw' money from an account.